Lionel Messi moves to London – but transfer is for wax version only

Defenders around the world are said to be planning trips to London as it represents their best chance of getting close to
Lionel Messi – after it was announced he will appear at Madame Tussauds in wax form.

Lionel Messi joins Cristiano Ronaldo and David Beckham in London (Picture: Reuters)

The Barcelona star, considered the world’s best player, will join illustrious company, including rival Cristiano Ronaldo , Pelé and David Beckham .

A spokeswoman for the museum said: ‘We are very excited to confirm Messi’s inclusion in our interactive Sports Zone.

‘As one of the top footballers of this generation our visitors are constantly requesting his figure.’

Messi and Ronaldo both missed out on Uefa’s Best Player in Europe award on Thursday, which was won by Andres Iniesta.

The Argentine has started this season like he finished the last one.

He has six goals in just four competitive matches for Barcelona, but was unable to inspire his team to a win the Super Cup trophy against Ronaldo’s Real Madrid.